ICRC, Libya sign legal understanding

TRIPOLI, Libya, June 26 (UPI) -- Libyan armed forces agreed to consider international humanitarian law during military operations, the International Committee of the Red Cross said.

The ICRC announced it signed a memorandum with the Libyan military for training in international humanitarian law.

"The Libyan armed forces have expressed a clear desire to ensure that international humanitarian law and other rules on the use of force are taken into account in the way they plan and operate," Georges Comninos, the head of the ICRC delegation in Libya, said in a statement.

The Libyan government of late leader Moammar Gadhafi was accused of human rights abuses during last year's civil war. Saif al-Islam Gadhafi, the leader's son, and other members of the former regime are wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Australian government is trying to secure the release of ICC lawyer and Australian national Melinda Taylor from Libya. She is held in the country after being accused of passing information to Saif al-Islam from a supporter.

Tripoli had asked for an apology over the incident. The ICC, in a statement this week, said it "regrets" the incident.

Tripoli maintains it has the administrative capability to try Saif al-Islam in Libya.